This is a follow-up to 2007’s two-disc collection that helped expand perceptions of Nigerian music beyond the familiar Fela-inspired Afrobeat revolution (for Fela fiends, seek out Soundway’s Nigeria Afrobeat Special, also out now, as well as Now Again's Black Man’s Cry: The Inspiration of Fela Kuti).
For those who understand that the seeming Nigerian overload of late should really be seen as the unveiling of the tip of the proverbial iceberg, this volume provides another chance to celebrate (and be sure to turn up the volume when you do!).
The always-fabulous Bola Johnson grabs the spotlight with a circular four-bar groove on “Jeka Dubu” that would make Gilberto Gil wilt. Meanwhile, throw on Fidel Sax Bateke’s polyrhythmic “Motako” for one of the trickiest intro drum breaks ever, or let Twins Seven bust out the metallophones and congas for a strangely dreamy call-and-response workout on “Totobiroko”. Note to Soundway, though: we wouldn’t say no to a Volume 3, nor would we refuse a feature compilation devoted to Bola Johnson.